After the abortion

After the aspiration procedure:

You may bleed heavily, moderately, lightly or not at all, for one to three weeks after the abortion. Some women do not start to bleed until several days after the abortion, some stop bleeding and then start again, some pass clots with strong cramps for several days. Don’t be surprised if four to five days after the abortion you experience increased cramping or bleeding.

Your normal period should begin three to six weeks after the abortion, unless you are on birth control pills, Depo Provera (the shot) or have a Mirena.

Menstrual-like cramping pain is normal for the first week or two. Use Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Actiprofen) if needed. Aspirin (A.S.A., Entrophen) may increase bleeding.

Smoking cigarettes after the abortion can make you faint so we recommend you not smoke for three hours after the procedure.

You are not to drive, operate hazardous equipment, or make major decisions, like signing legal papers, until 24 hours after the procedure.

Mood swings or emotional upset often accompanies the drop in pregnancy hormones and may last for a few days or even weeks. Morning sickness should disappear within two days and breast changes usually settle by the end of the first week but both may persist if you are on the birth control pill.

It is very unlikely but you may notice a milky discharge from your breasts after the abortion. Do not express the fluid; this will go away within two weeks.

You must contact the clinic if you had any unexpected hospitalizations within 30 days of the procedure.

Precautions

IF you were given antibiotics – take them.

You must contact the clinic if you have any unexpected hospitalizations within 30 days of the procedure.

Two weeks after the abortion you should be feeling back to normal; if you are not call us for a follow-up appointment.

Avoid alcohol and street drugs for two days.

Do not drive or operate hazardous equipment for two days.

Do not do a pregnancy test afterwards as the pregnancy hormones leave the body slowly. A test can still be positive weeks after an abortion has removed the pregnancy.

You must contact the clinic if you have any unexpected hospitalizations with 30 days of the procedure.

NOTE: Please be aware it IS possible to get pregnant right after an abortion; you can conceive very soon afterwards if you are not using any birth control method..

Further care
Free post-abortion counselling is available at the clinic for those who feel it would be helpful. If you experience prolonged sadness or emotional turmoil you may benefit from this counselling; there is no charge for this. To make an appointment for this service please call 604-322-6692 during normal clinic hours. We have produced a handout you may find helpful on how to cope afterwards. There is also a coping and caring for yourself worksheet and a pamphlet on dealing with difficult emotions. Support persons can find information on how to support someone after an abortion here.